Chinese and Colombian-Japanese acrobats win top prize at Peru circus festival

The second edition of Peru's Pulso international circus festival concluded in Lima, celebrating a vibrant display of global talent with over 100 artists from 20 countries participating.

The festival's highest honor, the Golden Pulso, was awarded in a technical tie between China's Suining Acrobatic Troupe, for their exceptional cup balancing act, and the Colombian-Japanese duo Martínez Brothers, recognized for their impressive Icarian games. The international jury deemed both acts to have reached the highest level of artistic excellence.

Suining Acrobatic Troupe also received the Audience Award, presented by the mayor of Santiago de Surco district, Carlos Bruce. Silver Pulso awards went to Russia's Lemon Brothers, Dúo Ivanov, and China National Acrobatic Troupe. Bronze Pulso awards were distributed among several Russian artists and Hungary's The Annas.

The closing gala, directed by Joseph Bouglione of the historic Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione in Paris, opened with a choreography by Vania Masías honoring Peru's cultural diversity. A special 'Living Legend of the Circus' award was presented to American clown and acrobat Bello Nock, acknowledging his extraordinary artistic career. This year's festival also marked a significant milestone with Lima hosting an official selection event for Cirque du Soleil, providing a platform for Peruvian artists to demonstrate their skills to the renowned Canadian circus institution.